Author: Phil Callihan

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Rivalry Games

The third installment in the series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State takes us to 1989. Bo Schembechler was in his 21st and final season as Michigan’s head coach, and it seemed like the right time for him to move on. Schembechler had accomplished a lot in two decades, and the program was on solid ground. Changes were coming to college football, but for the moment, Bo’s brand of football was still effective.

On the other side of the field, Ohio State coach John Cooper was starting to assemble a roster filled with cream-of-the-crop talent. On paper, the teams matched up pretty well. Ohio State had Alonzo Spellman on the defensive line, Greg Frey playing quarterback, Jeff Graham playing receiver, and Scottie Graham playing running back. Michigan countered with Chris Calloway and Derrick Alexander playing wide receiver positions, Tony Boles, Jarrod Bunch, and Leroy Hoard running the ball, Tripp Welborne playing safety, and a young phenom named Desmond Howard, who would make an impact over the next few years.

The difference in the game was Michigan’s ability to run the ball, which allowed the Wolverines to control the game at critical junctures. Michigan jumped out to a 14-0 lead, featuring a 13-play, 81-yard scoring drive in the second quarter. Nonetheless, Ohio State fought back, and Scottie Graham closed the Buckeyes’ deficit to three points on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter. With the game on the line, Schembechler went back to his roots and put his faith in the Michigan offensive line, which paved the way for a 23-yard touchdown run by Jarrod Bunch to give the Wolverines a 28-18 win. Michigan finished the season with an 8-0 record in the Big Ten, giving Schembechler a conference championship in his final season.

Thanks to YouTube, ABC, and YouTube poster Rxwolverine for the video of this game. We own nothing and this content is provided strictly for the enjoyment of readers.